Matthew Kleist

Chief Operating Officer, Identity Creative

Matthew Kleist is the Chief Operating Officer at Identity Creative, a brand-first marketing agency serving B2B manufacturing, industrial, and professional service companies.
Matthew specializes in business growth, operational efficiency, sales systems, and practical AI adoption. His experience with AI has been shaped through hands-on experimentation, real-world implementation, and plenty of lessons about what not to do.

He advocates for a balanced approach to artificial intelligence, one that avoids both reckless automation and fear-driven inaction. Matthew believes that just because something can be automated does not mean it should be, especially when efficiency comes at the expense of trust, customer experience, or long-term brand value.

He also helps lead a monthly AI Collective that connects experienced practitioners with business leaders who are beginning their AI journey. Through education, workshops, and practical implementation, Matthew helps organizations use AI responsibly to strengthen their people, operations, and brands.